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Momentum Builds with Increasing Support for UCF?s Smokefree Workplace Campaign
By Derval Keenan, 2/3/2005 4:41:25 PM
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Leading cancer specialist, Professor Patrick Johnston, UCF Professor of Oncology and Director of the Centre for Cancer Research at Queen's University Belfast has applauded the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) for leading the campaign to introduce smokefree workplaces in Northern Ireland.
Professor Johnston today lends his weight to the campaign, as UCF presents the case for smokefree workplaces to over 30 cross-party MLA?s, at Stormont.
Professor Johnston said, ?The UCF has led the campaign for smoke-free environments for over twenty years, however this work needs a background of healthy public policy to be completely successful. Introducing smokefree workplaces legislation would bring major long-term health benefits and greatly impact on the future of cancer in Northern Ireland.?
At Stormont today, UCF will present the results of a new major research study, undertaken by the charity to assess the current level of provision of smoke-free workplace policies. The research shows huge public demand, which is not being met by policies.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF, said, ?The majority of employers and employees actually want their workplace to be smoke-free. This even extends to the majority of smoking employees who are also in favour of such a policy. Those companies, which have already implemented a smoke-free policy, tell UCF that it has brought many benefits and few problems to their business. Employees and employers in smoke-free workplaces are very positive about the benefits.
?Employees in the hospitality trade continue to endure cancer causing substances in the line of duty. There is a huge demand from bar staff for the right to work in a smoke-free environment. The main reason they give for this is their fear of the serious health risks (lung cancer and heart disease) whilst others report discomfort, irritation to eyes and other aesthetic reasons.
?Of the 171 bar and restaurant staff who completed questionnaires, 44% were smokers while 56% were non-smokers. All worked in a smoky atmosphere yet a massive 76% of bar and restaurant staff said that they want to work in a smoke-free environment (only 4% disagreed). This includes a majority of smokers (63% in favour with only 8% against).
?The Health and Safety at Work Order (1978) puts the onus on the employer to safeguard the health of employees and visitors to the workplace, however, the introduction of policies has been piecemeal. Some workplaces say they are hesitant to implement a smoke-free policy for fear of alienating customers and staff, this new research by UCF shows these fears to be unfounded. Workplaces, which have already introduced a policy, report positive feedback with only minor hiccups.
?UCF have attended party conferences, met health spokespersons, lobbied MLA?s, MPs and MEP?s and noted increasing support. We are bringing our case for the introduction of smokefree workplaces in Northern Ireland to Stormont today, to demand urgent action from our politicians. It is clear from UCF?s research that there is massive support for legislation and even smoking employees tell us that they would welcome smokefree workplaces. We cannot continue to regard smoking as a right and breathing clean air as a privilege.?
UCF recently launched a new leaflet ?For a Smoke-free Environment - Passive smoking damages your health?. To order a free copy or for further information on UCF?s smoking cessation services contact Bernie on 028 9049 2007 or log onto ulstercancer.org
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For further information please contact Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9049 2007 / 07880 504577 or Derval Keenan, PR Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on
028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
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